Monthly Archives: February 2015

I am always looking for recipes to share that are clean and simple to prepare (did that rhyme?). I have cooked sweet potatoes this way many times, but this is a new twist and a kick! All you need is butternut squash. You can even buy it pre cubed in the grocery store to save a step. Give it a try.

I try to cut sugar completely out of my diet and for those of you that are doing the same, I found a sweet for your sweet tooth that won’t undo all your hard work in the gym. These are for occasional indulgences, not regular meals mind you, but they are delicious and easy to whip up quickly. The rich filling is so satisfying that a little goes a long way!

These balls is that they take 10 minutes to whip up, there is no baking involved! No sugar highs or crashes with these yummy treats, just good old yumminess! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 cups soaked, pitted Medjool dates

2 cups of nuts (pecan, walnut, almond, brasil nut, or a mix)

½ cup unsweetened natural coconut (optional)

organic 72% chocolate (for coating)

Instructions:

Place all ingredients in food processor and process until a thick paste forms, not too smooth but almost like chunky nut butter.

With a heaping teaspoon amount, form balls in between your palms.

You can keep them like this, or you can roll some in coconut, nut pieces, or dip in melted chocolate. Keep in airtight container or freeze until needed. They get chewier in the freezer, not rock hard.

This time of year is probably the most difficult time to start anything! Yet it is also the most popular season to do just that. You are so busy having just finished the holidays, and there are still temptations around sports (hint: Superbowl), work and personal life.

Any change is hard regardless of the time you start it, right? There are excuses at every turn of your day.
That is EXACTLYwhy now is the best time to start anything new, especially eating healthy. I was recently reminded by a colleague that “learning to roll with whatever gets thrown your way and making the best choices in any situation is what will help you turn these challenges into a lifestyle change!” This was precisely the kick in the butt I needed too. Let’s face it, life is pretty darn good at throwing loop holes into the most perfectly laid out plans. There simply is not a perfect time to start any change, regardless of what it is, because that perfect time will never come. That is not real life. Real life changes and you need those “bumps in the road” to gain confidence that you can do this despite what comes your way.

If you tried a “diet” or to eat healthier in January, I have a feeling that it didn’t go perfectly. That is OK! It is being consistent with your efforts and knowing how to get back on track when you get derailed. Those are the skills you want to learn during this time, so when it happens again, you know what to do.

Focus on what went well. The days you nailed it! Let those serves as motivation to keep going!